David Snyder Hale wrote:
I'm looking for suggestions (preferably based on experience, but by no
means limited to that) for an HF mobile antenna and mount for a Honda
Element. Would like 10-40m. Rig is Yaesu FT-817ND.

TNX,

Dave;

I have a Honda Element, a friend calls it my Hmmv escape pod, that I run
a ICOM 706MKIIG in. I have used both a High Serria Screwdriver and a
Perth Plus. I fine tune with the ICOM autotuner.
I am not really happy with the Perth Plus. It doesn't seem to tune very
well. It is most likely my installation that is the fault. However, I
had very good results with the screwdriver. I stopped using it after it
was damaged when it was struck by a car from behind that was struck by
another car from behind. Damage to the screwdriver was very minor, the
plastic shield was cracked at the top of the moveable element and the
receiver hitch mount was broken at the cone joint. I have repaired the
plastic and am looking for someone to heliarc the mount.
I also have a Yaesu FT-817 but I do not use it for mobile. I think the
controls on the 817 are to small and hard to operate enmobile and is to
low in power to get any significant results, YMMV.
As an aside. I recently came out of our local BESTBUY and almost got
into the wrong car. Another ham had parked next to me with a identical
Element including ham antenna. He, however, was running a whip antenna
and a Yaesu radio. For antenna matching he used a open wire style
antenna tuner, I am not sure which make/model. He was very happy with
his installation.

Good luck with you installation and keep us (me) updated.


Dave WD9BDZ